Post surgical drainage collection pouch

ABSTRACT

A collection pouch for receiving drainage from an abdominal opening following surgery comprising a flexible fluid-tight bag having a lateral opening adapted to register with the abdominal opening, means for sealing the bag to the abdomen around the registered openings in the abdomen and the bag, and means for venting the bag under controlled circumstances to exhaust gases which may have unpleasant odors. In one form of the invention, a vent aperture is provided in the bag for exhausting gases, together with releasable means adhesively secured to the bag to close the vent aperture in a manner which permits removal of the releasable means to vent the bag in privacy and replacement of the releasable means to again close the vent aperture. In another form, a vent aperture is provided in the bag for exhausting gases, and a filter is secured to the bag adjacent the vent aperture for deodorizing the gases exhausted through the aperture.

waited States Patent 1 Nolan et al.

[ 1 Sept. 18, 1973 [75] Inventors: John L. Nolan, Glenview; Donald E.

Etes, CrXiStaTIQ aReIboth of 1117 [73] Assignee: Hollister Incorporated,Chicago, Ill.

[22] Filed: Sept. 20, 1971 [21] Appl. No.: 181,961

[52] US. Cl. 128/283 [51] Int. Cl. A61f 5/44 [58] Field of Search128/275, 283

[56] References Cited IJNITED STATES PATENTS 2,327,514 8/1943 Fenwick128/283 3,312,221 4/1967 Overment... 128/275 3,439,677 4/1969 Bonfils128/283 3,575,170 4/1971 Clark 128/275 3,601,119 8/1971 Engelsher128/275 3,618,606 11/1971 Brown et a1. 128/283 2,741,247 4/1956 Marsan128/283 FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 631,987 12/1961 Canada 128/283Primary Examiner-Charles F. Rosenbaum AttorneyI-Iofgren, Wegner, Allen,Stellman & McCord [57] ABSTRACT A collection pouch for receivingdrainage from an abdominal opening following surgery comprising aflexible fluid-tight bag having a lateral opening adapted to registerwith the abdominal opening, means for sealing the bag to the abdomenaround the registered openings in the abdomen and the bag, and means forventing the bag under controlled circumstances to exhaust gases whichmay have unpleasant odors. In one form of the invention, a vent apertureis provided in the bag for exhausting gases, together with releasablemeans adhesively secured to the bag to close the vent aperture in amanner which permits removal of the releasable means to vent the bag inprivacy and replacement of the releasable means to again close the ventaperture. In another form, a vent aperture is provided in the bag forexhausting gases, and a filter is secured to the bag adjacent the ventaperture for deodorizing the gases exhausted through the aperture.

15 Claims, 9 Drawing Figures POST-SURGICAL DRAINAGE COLLECTION POUCHBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a stoma bag, aterm sometimes used to refer to a post-surgical collection pouch forreceiving drainage from an abdominal opening following surgery. Certainabdominal surgery, such as a colostomy, cecostomy or ileostomy resultsin an opening in the abdominal wall, sometimes referred to as a stoma,which permits drainage from the interior of the abdominal cavity. Thepatient is unable to control the drainage and therefore drainageappliances, such as a pouch or bag, are used to collect the drainage.

In the past, it has been conventional to utilize collection pouchestogether with means for sealing the pouch to the abdomen around theabdominal opening in order to prevent undesirable leakage of thedrainage and in order to prevent as much as possible any contact of thedrainage with the external skin of the abdomen which might result inirritation. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,302,647 relates to a drainagecollection pouch to 'gether with means for sealing the pouch to theabdomen. One of the problems encountered with use of drainage collectionpouches of the type described arises due to accumulation of gases in thepouch in addition to liquid drainage. The gases tend to inflate the bagbefore it is significantly filled with liquid or solid drainage. As aresult, there may be an undesirable bulge or the buildup of pressure mayretard adequate drainage. Accordingly, it is desirable to provide meansfor venting the collection pouch.

In view of objectionable odors which some of the gases may have, it isnot practical to provide a constantly open vent which would exhaustobjectionable odors leading to embarrassment of the patient, thoughconstantly open vents may be suitable in other circum stances. Forexample, U.S. Pat. No. 3,575,170 relates to a beside drainage collectionbag with a vent adapted to exhaust gases without discharging liquids. Inan individual abdominal pouch, venting sould be controlled.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a pouch forcollecting drainage from an abdominal opening together with means forventing the pouch under controlled circumstances allowing exhaust ofgases with objectionable odors without undue embarrassment to thepatient.

Preferably, the pouch comprises a fluid-tight bag of flexiblelightweight plastic material containing a lateral opening adapted toregister with the abdominal open ing, together with a flange extendingoutwardly from the opening in the bag for use in sealing the bag to theabdomen. In one form of the invention, a vent aperture is provided inthe plastic bag for exhausting gases from the bag, together withreleasable means adapted to be manipulated in a manner to vent the bagand then reseal the bag at the convenience of the patient.

In the preferred construction of the bag as described in the precedingparagraph, the vent aperture is provided beneath the flange adjacent thebag opening, and provision is made for adhesively securing the flange tothe bag in an area around the vent aperture, in a manner permittingventing and resealing.

In another form of the invention, a vent aperture is provided in theplastic bag for exhausting gases from the bag, together with a filtersecured to the bag adjacent the vent aperture for deodorizing the gasesexhausted through the aperture, without the need for means to close theaperture.

In the preferred construction of the invention as described in thepreceding paragraph, the filter comprises a disc of matted fibers andactivated granular carbon having one surface overlying the vent apertureand an area surrounding the aperture, and an impervious cover over theopposed surface of the disc, leaving the periphery of the disc pervious,so that gases to be exhausted pass radially through the disc between theperiphery of the disc and the vent aperture.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. I is a fragmentary view of theabdominal section of a human torso showing a post-surgical drainagepouch positioned for use;

FIG. 2 is an outside elevational view of a drainage collection pouchembodying one form of the present invention utilizing a deodorizingfilter with a vent aperture;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged transverse sectional view of the bag illustratedin FIG. 2, taken at about the line 3-3 of FIG. 2 and showing the mannerin which the bag would be applied to an abdominal area;

FIG. 4 shows the components of the filter of FIGS. 2 and 3 in plan view;

FIG. 5 shows the filter components in elevational view;

FIG. 6 is an elevational view of a bag embodying another form of theinvention, utilizing a selectively openable vent;

FIG. 7 is a transverse sectional view of the bag shown in FIG. 6, takenat about the line 7-7;

FIG. 8 is an elevational view of another bag showing a selectivelyopenable vent; and

FIG. 9 is a transverse sectional view of the bag shown in FIG. 8, takenat about the line 9-9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Referring now to the drawings inmore detail, FIG. 1 illustrates a portion of a human torso 10 togetherwith a drainage collection pouch ll of the character under considerationherein. In some pouches, particularly those of smaller dimensions,provision is made for sealing the pouch to the abdomen not only toprevent leakage of drainage fluid but also for purposes of supportingthe pouch, and such a pouch is contemplated in the illustration of FIG.1 which does not include a belt or other means additional to the pouchfor supporting the pouch. The pouch in FIGS. 2-5 and the pouch in FIGS.6 and 7 are both of a type like that shown in FIG. I utilizing adhesiveattachment to the body for support without the aid of external devices.Other pouches may include provision for attaching a belt or the likeadapted to surround the patients waist and aid in supporting the pouch.In the illustration of FIGS. 8 and 9, the pouch embodies means forutilizing external support. 1

Referring now to the illustration of FIGS. 2-5, the invention isembodied in a pouch 12 comprising a pair of generally rectangular panelsof generally similar configuration, including an outer panel 13 and aninner panel 14 adapted to be disposed adjacent the patients body. Thepanels are of relatively lightweight flexible plastic material which isusually transparent. The outer perimeters of the overlying panels aresecured together as by heat-sealing indicated at 16 in order to form afluid tight bag which is adapted to be manufactured and stored insubstantially flat form, but distended in use on admission of drainagefluid.

The panel 14 includes a generally circular opening 13 adapted to beplaced in register with the abdominal opening for admitting drainage tothe collection bag. In order to seal the bag to the abdomen to preventleakage, the panel 14 includes an outwardly extending flange 19 aroundthe opening 18. The flange 19 has a suitable adhesive coating on theexposed surface adapted to releasably adhere the flange to the abdomenin a manner to prevent leakage of fluid and in a manner to support thepouch. The adhesive preparation on the flange 19 may be similar to thatdescribed in the aforementioned U.S. Pat. No. 3,302,647 adapted tominimize irritation to the skin of the patient. Preferably, the adhesivecoating is covered with a conventional releasable sheet adapted toprotect the adhesive until the pouch is ready for use. As illustrated,the flange 19 is generally square in configuration and the panels 13 and14 are generally rectangular in configuration, but it should beunderstood that other shapes may be utilized if desired.

In order to provide for exhaust of gases from the interior of thedrainage collection pouch, the outer panel wall 1.3 is provided with avent aperture as at 21 in association with a filter 22 secured to theinner surface of the panel 13. As best seen in FIGS. 4 and 5, the filter22 includes a circular filter disc 24 comprised of matted fibers andgranular activated carbon in a commercially available form which mayinclude thin pervious paper sheets on opposite surfaces for containingthe carbon granules against loss during handling. The activated carbonfunctions to deodorize the gases passing from the interior of the bagthrough the vent aperture 21. In order to ensure that the gases passthrough as much activated carbon as possible, the opposite surfaces ofthe disc 24 are substantially sealed, except at the aperture 21, whilethe periphery of the disc 2d is pervious to the gas. In this manner, thegas enters the disc at the periphery and travels radially to the centerof the disc for exhaust through the aperture 21.

In order to provide the desired effect, the surface of the disc 24exposed to the interior of the pouch is covered by an impervious plasticcover sheet 26 somewhat larger than the disc and suitably secured to thedisc if desired to facilitate handling. The opposite surface of the disc24 is covered by a pervious plastic sheet as at 28 which will allowpassage of gases. The disc 28 is also larger than the carbon disc 24, sothat the periphery of the disc 28 may be secured to the periphery of thedisc 26 as by heat-sealing in a manner to capture the carbon disc 24between the two discs 26 and 28. The perforate cover sheet 28 becomessomewhat cup-shaped and spans the periphery of the carbon disc 24 sothat gases in the collection pouch may enter the periphery of the carbondisc 24 through the pervious sheet 23, pass radially through the disc 24and exit through the vent aperture 21. The assembled filter 22 may beattached to the inner surface of the wall panel 13 as by heat-sealing.If desired, the cover sheet 28 may be originally impervious andperforated at the periphery of the carbon disc during the step ofsecuring disc 28 to disc 26.

For many years, it has been known that charcoal has the capacity toremove odors from air. More recently, activated carbon has beendeveloped with increased porosity, improving the capability to absorbmaterials from gases and liquids of various compositions. Activationinvolves selective treatment with chemicals to enlarge the pores in thecarbonized material to provide high absorbtive capacity. Activatedcarbons are commercially available in various physical forms, such aspowdered or granular. The disc 24 preferably comprises granular carbons,which are over approximately mesh in particle size, enmeshed in mattedfibers forming a felt-like material which is commercially available.

Referring now to the embodiment of FIGS. 6 and '7, a drainage collectionpouch 30 is made from a pair of plastic panels of generally rectangularconfiguration designated 31 and 32 with peripheries secured together asby heat-sealing indicated at 34 in a manner to provide a fluid-tight bagfor drainage collection. The panel 32 adapted to be disposed next to thepatient is formed with a centrally disposed circular aperture as at 35,and adjacent the aperture 35 there is an outwardly extending flange 36surrounding the aperture and containing an adhesive coating on theexposed surface adapted to be releasably secured to the abdomen of thepatient for sealing the bag against leakage and for supporting the bag.

In order to vent the bag 30, an aperture is provided in the panel 32 asat 38, disposed beneath a portion of the flange 36 extending outwardlyfrom the opening 35. Provision is made for releasably sealing the ventaperture 38 by means of a coating of adhesive material as at 39 in anarea surrounding the aperture 38 on the outer surface of the panel 32 oron the corresponding surface of the flange 36, so that the flange 36 maybe secured to the panel 32 in normal use to prevent exhaust of gases.However, the adhesive provided at 39 will permit the patient inappropriate privacy to separate the flange 36 and the panel 32 adjacentthe aperture 38, so that the aperture is opened to permit exhaust ofaccumulated gases at a time and place which the patient considerssuitable After venting the pouch, the aperture may be rescaled bypressing the panel 32 and the flange 36 together to adhesively'attachthe two. If desired, the vent aperture may be located elsewhere and aseparate sealing flap or tab provided for releasable sealing.

The pouch 40 shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 is of the gem eral type described inthe aforementioned U.S. Pat. No. 3,302,647. It includes plastic panels41 and 42 of generally rectangular configuration secured together at theperiphery by means of heat-sealing as at 43. The inner panel 42 isformed with a centrally disposed opening 44 and around the opening 44there is an outwardly extending flange as at 46 formed of heaviermaterial than the material of the panels 411 and 42. Around the opening4 the flange is thickened as at 47 to provide an annular lip adapted forcooperation with an annular sealing gasket or sealing pad 48. The innersurface of the gasket 48 contains an adhesive coating as described inU.S. Pat. No. 3,302,647 to facilitate releasable attachment to thepatients abdomen, while the annular projecting lip 47 fits into theopening in the gasket. In use, the gasket $3 with tacky coating providessealing engagement with the patients abdomen, and the pouch is removablymounted on the gasket and held by a belt or the like having buttonsengageable in apertures 50 in tabs 51 projecting from flange $15, astaught in U.S. Pat. No. 3,302,647.

In order to vent the pouch 40, the panel 42 contains an aperture as at52 underlying the flange 46. Either the outer surface of the panel 42 inthe area surrounding the aperture 52 or the corresponding surface of thetab 50 is coated with a suitable adhesive as at 49 which provides forreleasably securing the panel and the flange together in a manner tonormally close the vent aperture 52 so that gases are sealed in thepouch. When it is desired to exhaust the gases, panel 42 may be peeledfrom the tab 50 so that the aperture is opened and the gases are free toexhaust. After venting the pouch, the aperture may be again closed bysealing the panel 42 to the tab 50.

We claim:

1. A collection pouch for receiving drainage from an abdominal openingfollowing surgery, comprising,

a. a fluid-tight bag having a lateral opening adapted to register withthe abdominal opening,

b. a flange extending outwardly from the bag opening for use in sealingthe bag to the abdomen,

c. a vent aperture in the bag beneath the outwardly extending flange forexhausting gases from the bag, and

d. adhesive means releasably securing the flange to the bag in an areaaround the vent aperture and closing the vent aperture and manuallyoperable to vent the bag and re-close the bag as desired by the patient.

2. A collection pouch as defined in claim I, wherein the flangeextending outwardly from the bag opening contains adhesive on the outersurface for adherence to the abdomen to hold the bag in place.

3. A collection pouch as defined in claim 1, wherein the flange aroundthe bag opening is adapted to receive a sealing gasket containingadhesive on the outer surface for adherence to the abdomen to seal thebag to the abdomen.

4. A collection pouch as defined in claim 1, wherein the flange aroundthe bag opening has means providing for connection of a belt adapted tosurround the patient and hold the bag in place.

5. A collection pouch for receiving drainage from an abdominal openingfollowing surgery, comprising,

a. a fluid-tight bag of flexible plastic material having an opening inone side adapted to register with the abdominal opening,

b. a flange extending outwardly from the bag opening for use in sealingthe bag to the abdomen,

c. a vent aperture in the bag under the flange for exhausting gases fromthe bag, and

d. adhesive means releasably sealing the flange to the bag in an areaaround the vent aperture permitting manual separation of the flange andbag to vent the bag and rescaling to close the vent.

6. A collection pouch as defined in claim 5, wherein the bag isconstructed of two similarly shaped panels of material secured to eachother at the perimeters thereof.

7. A collection pouch as defined in claim 5, wherein the flange aroundthe bag opening is of material similar 6 to the material ofthe bag andhas adhesive on the outer surface for adherence to the abdomen to holdthe bag in place.

8. A collection pouch as defined in claim 5, wherein the flange aroundthe bag opening is of stiffer material than the material of the bag forreceiving a sealing gasket containing adhesive on the outer surface foradherence to the abdomen, and has means providing for connection of abelt.

9. A collection pouch for receiving drainage from an abdominal openingfollowing surgery, comprising,

a. a fluid-tight bag having a lateral opening adapted to register withthe abdominal opening,

b. means on the bag extending outwardly from the bag opening for use insupporting the bag in fluidtight relation on the abdomen of a patient,

0. a vent aperture in the bag for exhausting gases from the bag, and

d. a filter secured to the wall of the bag adjacent the vent aperturefor deodorizing gases exhausted through the aperture comprising a discof matted fibers and granular carbon having one surface overlying thevent aperture and an area surrounding the vent aperture, and animpervious cover on the opposed surface of the disc preventing passageof gas through that portion of the opposed surface directly opposite thevent aperture and permitting passage of gas through the disc radiallyoutwardly relative to the vent aperture, so that gases exhausted passradially through a course, which is longer than the thickness of thedisc.

10. A collection pouch as defined in claim 9, including a flangeextending outwardly from the bag opening and containing adhesive on theouter surface for adherence to the abdomen.

1]. A collection pouch for receiving drainage from an abdominal openingfollowing surgery, comprising,

a. a fluid-tight bag having a lateral opening adapted to register withthe abdominal opening,

b. a flange extending outwardly from the bag opening for use in sealingthe bag to the abdomen,

c. a vent aperture in the bag for exhausting gases from the bag, and

d. a filter secured to the wall of the bag adjacent the vent aperturefor deodorizing gases exhausted through the aperture comprising a discof matted fibers and granular carbon having one surface overlying thevent aperture and an area surround.- ing the aperture, and an imperviouscover over the opposed surface of the disc, leaving the periphery of thedisc pervious, so that gases to be exhausted pass radially through thedisc between the periphery of the disc and the vent aperture.

12. A collection pouch for receiving drainage from an abdominal openingfollowing surgery, comprising,

a. a fluid-tight bag of flexible plastic material having an entranceopening in one side adapted to register with the abdominal opening,

b. a flange extending outwardly from the bag opening for sealing the bagto the abdomen,

c. a vent aperture in the bag for exhausting gases therefrom,

d. a filter disc of matted fibers and charcoal particles having an outersurface secured inside the bag over the vent aperture and an areasurrounding the aperture, and

e. an impervious cover over the inner surface of the disc, leaving theperiphery of the disc pervious.

13. A collection pouch as defined in claim 12, wherein the charcoalparticles comprise activated granular carbon.

14. A collection pouch as defined in claim 12, wherein the imperviouscover is larger than the disc, and including a impervious plastic sheetover the outer '7 surface of the disc and the periphery thereof, withthe panels of material secured together at the perimeter penphery of theSheet secured to the penphery of the thereof, one panel containing theentrance opening and the other panel containing the vent aperture.

1. A collection pouch for receiving drainage fRom an abdominal openingfollowing surgery, comprising, a. a fluid-tight bag having a lateralopening adapted to register with the abdominal opening, b. a flangeextending outwardly from the bag opening for use in sealing the bag tothe abdomen, c. a vent aperture in the bag beneath the outwardlyextending flange for exhausting gases from the bag, and d. adhesivemeans releasably securing the flange to the bag in an area around thevent aperture and closing the vent aperture and manually operable tovent the bag and re-close the bag as desired by the patient.
 2. Acollection pouch as defined in claim 1, wherein the flange extendingoutwardly from the bag opening contains adhesive on the outer surfacefor adherence to the abdomen to hold the bag in place.
 3. A collectionpouch as defined in claim 1, wherein the flange around the bag openingis adapted to receive a sealing gasket containing adhesive on the outersurface for adherence to the abdomen to seal the bag to the abdomen. 4.A collection pouch as defined in claim 1, wherein the flange around thebag opening has means providing for connection of a belt adapted tosurround the patient and hold the bag in place.
 5. A collection pouchfor receiving drainage from an abdominal opening following surgery,comprising, a. a fluid-tight bag of flexible plastic material having anopening in one side adapted to register with the abdominal opening, b. aflange extending outwardly from the bag opening for use in sealing thebag to the abdomen, c. a vent aperture in the bag under the flange forexhausting gases from the bag, and d. adhesive means releasably sealingthe flange to the bag in an area around the vent aperture permittingmanual separation of the flange and bag to vent the bag and resealing toclose the vent.
 6. A collection pouch as defined in claim 5, wherein thebag is constructed of two similarly shaped panels of material secured toeach other at the perimeters thereof.
 7. A collection pouch as definedin claim 5, wherein the flange around the bag opening is of materialsimilar to the material of the bag and has adhesive on the outer surfacefor adherence to the abdomen to hold the bag in place.
 8. A collectionpouch as defined in claim 5, wherein the flange around the bag openingis of stiffer material than the material of the bag for receiving asealing gasket containing adhesive on the outer surface for adherence tothe abdomen, and has means providing for connection of a belt.
 9. Acollection pouch for receiving drainage from an abdominal openingfollowing surgery, comprising, a. a fluid-tight bag having a lateralopening adapted to register with the abdominal opening, b. means on thebag extending outwardly from the bag opening for use in supporting thebag in fluid-tight relation on the abdomen of a patient, c. a ventaperture in the bag for exhausting gases from the bag, and d. a filtersecured to the wall of the bag adjacent the vent aperture fordeodorizing gases exhausted through the aperture comprising a disc ofmatted fibers and granular carbon having one surface overlying the ventaperture and an area surrounding the vent aperture, and an imperviouscover on the opposed surface of the disc preventing passage of gasthrough that portion of the opposed surface directly opposite the ventaperture and permitting passage of gas through the disc radiallyoutwardly relative to the vent aperture, so that gases exhausted passradially through a course, which is longer than the thickness of thedisc.
 10. A collection pouch as defined in claim 9, including a flangeextending outwardly from the bag opening and containing adhesive on theouter surface for adherence to the abdomen.
 11. A collection pouch forreceiving drainage from an abdominal opening following surgery,comprising, a. a fluid-tight bag having a lateral opening adapted toregister with the abdominal opening, b. a flange extending outwardlyfrom the Bag opening for use in sealing the bag to the abdomen, c. avent aperture in the bag for exhausting gases from the bag, and d. afilter secured to the wall of the bag adjacent the vent aperture fordeodorizing gases exhausted through the aperture comprising a disc ofmatted fibers and granular carbon having one surface overlying the ventaperture and an area surrounding the aperture, and an impervious coverover the opposed surface of the disc, leaving the periphery of the discpervious, so that gases to be exhausted pass radially through the discbetween the periphery of the disc and the vent aperture.
 12. Acollection pouch for receiving drainage from an abdominal openingfollowing surgery, comprising, a. a fluid-tight bag of flexible plasticmaterial having an entrance opening in one side adapted to register withthe abdominal opening, b. a flange extending outwardly from the bagopening for sealing the bag to the abdomen, c. a vent aperture in thebag for exhausting gases therefrom, d. a filter disc of matted fibersand charcoal particles having an outer surface secured inside the bagover the vent aperture and an area surrounding the aperture, and e. animpervious cover over the inner surface of the disc, leaving theperiphery of the disc pervious.
 13. A collection pouch as defined inclaim 12, wherein the charcoal particles comprise activated granularcarbon.
 14. A collection pouch as defined in claim 12, wherein theimpervious cover is larger than the disc, and including a imperviousplastic sheet over the outer surface of the disc and the peripherythereof, with the periphery of the sheet secured to the periphery of thecover.
 15. A collection pouch as defined in claim 12, wherein the bagcomprises a pair of similarly shaped panels of material secured togetherat the perimeter thereof, one panel containing the entrance opening andthe other panel containing the vent aperture.